Kerr’s unbeaten 139-ball 179 headlines highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history as 696-run thriller ends with New Zealand victory

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Amelia Kerr delivered one of the greatest innings in women’s ODI history, smashing an unbeaten 179 off 139 balls to guide New Zealand to a record-breaking chase of 347 against South Africa at Basin Reserve. The thrilling contest, which produced a massive 696 runs in 99.4 overs, saw New Zealand clinch victory with two balls to spare and level the series in dramatic fashion.

Chasing 347, New Zealand suffered an early setback when Suzie Bates fell in the fifth over to Ayabonga Khaka. The situation worsened as the hosts slipped to four down midway through the innings, with Kayla Reyneke and Sune Luus striking crucial blows to remove Georgia Plimmer, Maddy Green and Brooke Halliday cheaply.

Kerr, however, remained composed and rebuilt the innings before finding strong support from wicketkeeper-batter Isabella Gaze. The pair stitched together a crucial 120-run partnership in just 82 balls, with Gaze playing an aggressive knock of 68 off 48 deliveries, including 11 boundaries. Kerr contributed steadily before accelerating at the right moment.

After Gaze’s dismissal, Kerr took complete control of the chase. She first added 40 runs with Izzy Sharp, followed by a quickfire partnership with her sister Jess Kerr, scoring 25 runs in just 12 balls. Despite wickets falling at the other end, Kerr maintained her composure and ensured New Zealand stayed on track.

Kerr brought up her fifth ODI century off 90 balls and then shifted gears brilliantly, scoring 79 runs off her next 49 deliveries. She eventually finished the match alongside debutant Kayley Knight, sealing a historic win for New Zealand.

Earlier in the day, South Africa posted a formidable total of 346 after being put in to bat. Laura Wolvaardt (69) and Anneke Bosch (91) laid a strong foundation with a 132-run partnership. Contributions continued through the middle order, with Sune Luus (40), Sinalo Jafta (37) and Chloe Tryon, who remained unbeaten on 52, ensuring a competitive total.

Late cameos from Nadine de Klerk and Kayla Reyneke further boosted South Africa’s innings. Despite Bree Illing’s impressive 3 for 60 and Kayley Knight’s 2 for 65, South Africa appeared to have done enough to seal the match and the series.

However, Kerr’s extraordinary innings turned the game on its head, rewriting record books and keeping the series alive. Her knock not only secured the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI cricket but also reinforced her status as one of the game’s premier allrounders.